New small game rifle?????
- Thread starter bigsky_songdogs
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Chris_Brice
New member
Originally Posted By: bigsky_songdogs
I have 3 10/22's
Big plus 1
Look, just about everyone that has read many of my posts knows of my disbelief in the .22mag. Being said I do believe one can have too many .22lr's to justify using so going a new direction may be called for. I've often thought about getting a bolt action .17hmr for it's accuracy, flat trajectory and extended range but truth be told (shh, this is just between you and me) a lever gun or pump in .22M might be a fun little gun. Passed on both a 96/22 mag and a Henry octagon barreled pump in .22M a couple years ago (both around $350) and kinda kick myself. Too me the .17 deserves an accurate bolt action(due to the attributes I listed above) and yes I know that some .22M's will shoot with the .17's. But it's trajectory gives it less range for us mere mortals so a platform that can deliver pin prick accuracy is not needed as much. With the .22M go for fun factor and quicker follow up shots.
I have 3 10/22's
Big plus 1
Look, just about everyone that has read many of my posts knows of my disbelief in the .22mag. Being said I do believe one can have too many .22lr's to justify using so going a new direction may be called for. I've often thought about getting a bolt action .17hmr for it's accuracy, flat trajectory and extended range but truth be told (shh, this is just between you and me) a lever gun or pump in .22M might be a fun little gun. Passed on both a 96/22 mag and a Henry octagon barreled pump in .22M a couple years ago (both around $350) and kinda kick myself. Too me the .17 deserves an accurate bolt action(due to the attributes I listed above) and yes I know that some .22M's will shoot with the .17's. But it's trajectory gives it less range for us mere mortals so a platform that can deliver pin prick accuracy is not needed as much. With the .22M go for fun factor and quicker follow up shots.
bigsky_songdogs
New member
I have a savage 17hmr and it's accurate as all get out but in my experience is not a good choice for anything you plan to eat (although I haven't tried other bullets in it do some may be better) and it tore up a fox last year also
I'm still considering the 10/22 takedown for the reasons I mentioned but also thinking a lever 22wmr would be a good trap line rig incase I run into fox etc incidentally
Thanks for all the opinions guys!
I'm still considering the 10/22 takedown for the reasons I mentioned but also thinking a lever 22wmr would be a good trap line rig incase I run into fox etc incidentally
Thanks for all the opinions guys!
I am the Happy owner of a Ruger 10/22 Mag rifle. It don't drive tacks because it aint no hammer, at 100 yds if I use the cheap Silver box Winchester ammo it will shoot 1-1/4 MOA with an occasional flyer, it is the most accurate I have shot in the 10/22 Mag.
I also have an old Marlin bolt 22Mag, it shoot quite well also but I never use it myself as I use it as a loner when someone goes with me.
I would say get your self a 22Mag auto loader if you can find one, Ruger that is.
DAB
I also have an old Marlin bolt 22Mag, it shoot quite well also but I never use it myself as I use it as a loner when someone goes with me.
I would say get your self a 22Mag auto loader if you can find one, Ruger that is.
DAB
RePete
New member
Originally Posted By: Chris_Brice
but truth be told (shh, this is just between you and me) a lever gun or pump in .22M might be a fun little gun.
Well, Well, Well,,,, sounds like ol CB is finally starting to come around.
Bout time you did too Fen.
You can "What If" this thing to death (and I can say that cause I have) but for a good all around Camping, Trap Line, target of opportunity, small game rifle and caliber the simplicity and killing power of a lever gun in 22WMR is awfully hard to beat.
Oh, and to CB's point, they're dang fun too.
Also, performance wise, the WMR will handle all of the game you mentioned in your OP, whereas I'm not sure a 22LR will. Especially in a target of opportunity, less than perfect shot scenario.
BTW CB,,, The Henry Pump gun I looked at when I bought my Lever gun wasn't exactly what I'd call smooth but would probably slick up in time. I'd a bought it anyway though if it just didn't cost so dang much. Those Henry pump guns are definitely cool. You're right to be kicking yourself for passing one up at that price.
ETA,,, those Lever Rugers are pretty cool too providing you can find one with acceptable accuracy. Talk about a little work horse eah?
but truth be told (shh, this is just between you and me) a lever gun or pump in .22M might be a fun little gun.
Well, Well, Well,,,, sounds like ol CB is finally starting to come around.
Bout time you did too Fen.
You can "What If" this thing to death (and I can say that cause I have) but for a good all around Camping, Trap Line, target of opportunity, small game rifle and caliber the simplicity and killing power of a lever gun in 22WMR is awfully hard to beat.
Oh, and to CB's point, they're dang fun too.
Also, performance wise, the WMR will handle all of the game you mentioned in your OP, whereas I'm not sure a 22LR will. Especially in a target of opportunity, less than perfect shot scenario.
BTW CB,,, The Henry Pump gun I looked at when I bought my Lever gun wasn't exactly what I'd call smooth but would probably slick up in time. I'd a bought it anyway though if it just didn't cost so dang much. Those Henry pump guns are definitely cool. You're right to be kicking yourself for passing one up at that price.
ETA,,, those Lever Rugers are pretty cool too providing you can find one with acceptable accuracy. Talk about a little work horse eah?
bigsky_songdogs
New member
I think you're right Charlie. versatility is what I'm after so I think 22mag is the ticket and I love lever guns so I think I have s decision (until I change my mind anyway)
Thanks guys
Fin
Thanks guys
Fin
bigsky_songdogs
New member
Originally Posted By: RePeteOriginally Posted By: bigsky_songdogs I think I have a decision (until I change my mind anyway)
LOL,,,, I hear ya buddy.
Don't feel bad though. Pretty sure we all over think this stuff.
At least I do.
No joke, if'n I had more money it wouldn't be an issue and buy one of each
LOL,,,, I hear ya buddy.
Don't feel bad though. Pretty sure we all over think this stuff.
At least I do.
No joke, if'n I had more money it wouldn't be an issue and buy one of each
Finn, I would like to add...I have a henry lever .22. The price is nice and it was fun for about a month. I prefer optics on my rimfires as I'm
Generally shooting small targets in the head for the pot. Having said that, I don't like optics on a lever gun, kinda ruins the look IMHO. Another thing. Those Henry's sure are smooth...at first. Then after awhile they kinda "gunk up" and lose ther smoothness. Then you gotta take it apart to thoroughly clean it. It's not much fun getting into the guts of the rifle. Think of it as taking apart and relubing a spinning reel.
Course this is just my opinion on them, worth about what you paid for it.
Good luck.
Generally shooting small targets in the head for the pot. Having said that, I don't like optics on a lever gun, kinda ruins the look IMHO. Another thing. Those Henry's sure are smooth...at first. Then after awhile they kinda "gunk up" and lose ther smoothness. Then you gotta take it apart to thoroughly clean it. It's not much fun getting into the guts of the rifle. Think of it as taking apart and relubing a spinning reel.
Course this is just my opinion on them, worth about what you paid for it.
Good luck.
AROKHUNTER
New member
I myself have several 22 rifles and have had a few 22 magnums and a 17 HMR. The one thing that I have learned myself is that I like clips or magazines, whichever you choose to call them. The other thing is that if you get one with a clip, try to get one that fits in the stock flush with the bottomside and does not stick out. The clips/magazines that protrude from the bottom of the stock can be annoying to carry with a sling in some positions. Also, I did not care for my 17 HMR. I had a 22 magnum and I preferred it over the 17 HMR. It seemed like my 22 magnum was always what I picked up when I needed a small rifle. I have killed coyotes at 150 yards with the 22 magnum. I would have to say that if I had to choose, then I would want a bolt action rifle in 22 magnum with a clip. The Ruger 77/22 magnum is probably what I would go after, just like the one 6mm06 posted. My wife got me a Henry lever action 22 magnum for Christmas one year, so that is what I have and use. It is very accurate and reliable.
Tim Neitzke
New member
There are more 30-30 levers in Mi with scopes than without.
bigsky_songdogs
New member
Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeThere are more 30-30s levers in Mi with scopes than without.
Tim,
I don't doubt that and it's probly true most places
My 30-30 doesn't have a scope, but I don't begrudge those that do
I think I would have a scope setup that I could put on a 22mag levergun but only use it occasionally
Tim,
I don't doubt that and it's probly true most places
My 30-30 doesn't have a scope, but I don't begrudge those that do
I think I would have a scope setup that I could put on a 22mag levergun but only use it occasionally
Tim Neitzke
New member
To tell the truth, when I was youger I shot irons all the time. With good eyes and practice they are faster to get on target.
bigsky_songdogs
New member
K22,
That Sakos a beauty as are most of your rifles you post up, but out of my price range. The wife insisted on wanting another baby so with another one on the way my budget is quite limited ( it always is lol)
Fin
That Sakos a beauty as are most of your rifles you post up, but out of my price range. The wife insisted on wanting another baby so with another one on the way my budget is quite limited ( it always is lol)
Fin
Bax
New member
I sure love my Henry .22 Mag
I tend to take this rifle varmint hunting more than any other rifle I own. It is not the nicest gun I own, but it is the best feeling gun I own. By that I mean having a leaver gun in your hands just cant be beat. We all love our nice bot guns with optics on them for the shots that we can take slowly and steadily. But there is something about a quick handling leaver gun that has to be experienced to be understood.
The BL22 is a fine little rifle too and I wouldnt talk you out of buying one of those. But you are going to pay a premium for the rifle as opposed to the Henry. Not saying that is a bad thing, but if this is something that you are going to beat up a bit, a Henry may be the better option. Additionally, you may want an heirloom gun for one of your children so maybe the Browning is the way to go.... decisions decisions.
Suggestion? Go leaver!!!!!!
I tend to take this rifle varmint hunting more than any other rifle I own. It is not the nicest gun I own, but it is the best feeling gun I own. By that I mean having a leaver gun in your hands just cant be beat. We all love our nice bot guns with optics on them for the shots that we can take slowly and steadily. But there is something about a quick handling leaver gun that has to be experienced to be understood.
The BL22 is a fine little rifle too and I wouldnt talk you out of buying one of those. But you are going to pay a premium for the rifle as opposed to the Henry. Not saying that is a bad thing, but if this is something that you are going to beat up a bit, a Henry may be the better option. Additionally, you may want an heirloom gun for one of your children so maybe the Browning is the way to go.... decisions decisions.
Suggestion? Go leaver!!!!!!
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bigsky_songdogs
New member
I'm with ya Luke, I sure like the BL22 and it's short lever throw. I'm pretty sure I've shoot my cousins more than he has but I'm have quite a few 22s so I think I'll get my first WMR ever
bigsky_songdogs
New member
That's a beauty! They go for a pretty penny and I think I would feel bad throwing it in a boat or on a snow machine or dragging it thru the brush
Smokeless
New member
I thought the same thing at first, but I then realized that they were made to use and made for generations. It is an investment of sorts, but it will not fail you and will always function. The Henry is a knock off and not made to the same standards. Back in the day when a man bought a Winchester it was not cheap to him, and he did not intend to treat it "right" he meant to use it and the rifle had to be dependable. Winchester made them that way and wanted them to be used, not stuck in a closet.
If you want a " throw gun" good luck. If you don't take care of it, then it wont take care of you. The old Winchester had this in mind when they built their rifles. Treat them bad, and they are still always faithful. JMO2
If you want a " throw gun" good luck. If you don't take care of it, then it wont take care of you. The old Winchester had this in mind when they built their rifles. Treat them bad, and they are still always faithful. JMO2
Originally Posted By: bigsky_songdogsK22,
That Sakos a beauty as are most of your rifles you post up, but out of my price range. The wife insisted on wanting another baby so with another one on the way my budget is quite limited ( it always is lol)
Fin
Thanks Fin. I used to have a lot of rifles, but not anymore. What I do have I became pretty selective. Nowdays I go more for quality and not quantity. It appears that's what Charlie does also from the the looks of his inventory.
Congratulations are in order I see. While its much harder raising kids these days they are still a joy. By the time we finished we had 7 kids but now we only have one left to home.
That Sakos a beauty as are most of your rifles you post up, but out of my price range. The wife insisted on wanting another baby so with another one on the way my budget is quite limited ( it always is lol)
Fin
Thanks Fin. I used to have a lot of rifles, but not anymore. What I do have I became pretty selective. Nowdays I go more for quality and not quantity. It appears that's what Charlie does also from the the looks of his inventory.
Congratulations are in order I see. While its much harder raising kids these days they are still a joy. By the time we finished we had 7 kids but now we only have one left to home.